We left home on Friday around noon, picked up my daughter from work, and headed to the ocean. Before arriving at the coast we passed through the Alexander Valley which is famous for its vineyards and wines. I thought it was apropos that we took a picture at this vineyard, since the town we live in is Greenwood. I wouldn't mind exchanging
Greenwoods occasionally. A change of pace would be nice--new scenery, wide-open spaces, and some great wines.
Soon, we arrived at our destination: Irish Beach. This was the view from the house that we rented looking north. Pretty darned spectacular, right? One of the benefits was the sound that this ocean provided. All night long, I slept right next to the window facing this view with the window open. It was incredible listening to the waves breaking on the rocks below. The smell of the ocean air was another side benefit. There is nothing like the air at the ocean in my estimation. I guess its like anything though: if you spend the majority of your time in one location, you kind of become immune to the smells around you. Only when you return after a few days away do you really notice the smells again, be they ocean, pine trees, green valleys, moist dark dirt, dry desert, etc.
That night we headed out for a walk to orient ourselves and get a lay of the land, so-to-speak. In the neighborhood we stayed in there were these plants at many of the houses. I do not know what they are. They look like they might belong to the lupine family but that is only a guess. Anyone have any idea? Let me know. Some of them were as tall as a person (or a small child).
Here's another pink variety of the same bush. You can see a bit of the ocean (facing south) in the background. The evening fog was starting to roll in so it is a bit hazy in this photo.
And, last but not least, here's a photo of my Grand dog, Taylor. She is sitting on my son-in-laws lap in her "relaxed" position. Her tongue is always hanging out like this. Either it is too long, she has had a stroke, or she is just lazy and doesn't pull it in. None of us really know why but we love the way it looks. We were on our way to the town of Greenwood in this photo. I will show you Greenwood in tomorrow's post.
We left home on Friday around noon, picked up my daughter from work, and headed to the ocean. Before arriving at the coast we passed through the Alexander Valley which is famous for its vineyards and wines. I thought it was apropos that we took a picture at this vineyard, since the town we live in is Greenwood. I wouldn't mind exchanging Greenwoods occasionally. A change of pace would be nice--new scenery, wide-open spaces, and some great wines.
Soon, we arrived at our destination: Irish Beach. This was the view from the house that we rented looking north. Pretty darned spectacular, right? One of the benefits was the sound that this ocean provided. All night long, I slept right next to the window facing this view with the window open. It was incredible listening to the waves breaking on the rocks below. The smell of the ocean air was another side benefit. There is nothing like the air at the ocean in my estimation. I guess its like anything though: if you spend the majority of your time in one location, you kind of become immune to the smells around you. Only when you return after a few days away do you really notice the smells again, be they ocean, pine trees, green valleys, moist dark dirt, dry desert, etc. 
That night we headed out for a walk to orient ourselves and get a lay of the land, so-to-speak. In the neighborhood we stayed in there were these plants at many of the houses. I do not know what they are. They look like they might belong to the lupine family but that is only a guess. Anyone have any idea? Let me know. Some of them were as tall as a person (or a small child).
Here's another pink variety of the same bush. You can see a bit of the ocean (facing south) in the background. The evening fog was starting to roll in so it is a bit hazy in this photo.
And, last but not least, here's a photo of my Grand dog, Taylor. She is sitting on my son-in-laws lap in her "relaxed" position. Her tongue is always hanging out like this. Either it is too long, she has had a stroke, or she is just lazy and doesn't pull it in. None of us really know why but we love the way it looks. We were on our way to the town of Greenwood in this photo. I will show you Greenwood in tomorrow's post.
Wow, great view from the house and there is nothing quite so soothing as to be lulled to sleep by the sound of the waves lapping the shore! How lovely, will look forward to more, Teri. ♥a
ReplyDeleteOh, I meant to say that I adore Taylor - is there a bit of Pug in her?
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment!
ReplyDeleteYes it is difficult to "understand" someone else when we do not "stand" in their shoes.
You post lovely pictures, sounds like a good trip.
Be blessed, Cat
hmmmm wonderful ... always nice to get away and the ocean is certainly the place to do it ... its an echium ... have a look at the link to my picasa album in 2007 where i was getting very excited about my echium - this looks the same?
ReplyDeletehttp://picasaweb.google.com/fynearts/MyGardenEchiumDecember2007?feat=directlink
ENJOY YOUR BREAK ! >> Gina
Incredible photos of the view and flowers. Not sure what the flowers are. They do look like lupines though. I'm so glad you got to go to the ocean for your birthday...and having your family with you...perfect.
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